Best Water Parks in Gurnee, Illinois
1
Six Flags Great America
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, this expansive water park offers a refreshing escape with both thrilling water slides and relaxing pool areas. Visitors can enjoy a mix of heart-pumping attractions, including multi-story water slides and rushing rapids, alongside more laid-back options like the lazy river and wave pool. The park features clean facilities, plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing, and multiple dining spots scattered throughout the grounds, making it easy to spend an entire day splashing around in aquatic fun.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently describe this water park as being outdoors.
Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, but several indicate it was closed during their visits. Some visitors enjoyed it when it was open.
Wave Pool: The wave pool is frequently mentioned, with many positive comments about its enjoyment. However, some mention issues with seating around it.
Splash Pad: Reviews mention a splash pad or kiddie area, with positive feedback on the areas being suitable for young children.
Adults: There is mention of alcohol sales and seating reservations near the wave pool for an extra cost. There's no mention of adult-only areas.
Season Pass: Season passes are offered, but opinions on their value are mixed. Some find them worthwhile if used frequently, while others express disappointment with the changes and limited perks.
Food & Drinks: Food and drink options are available but consistently criticized as overpriced and of poor quality, with long lines and limited choices frequently noted.
Lifeguards: Many reviewers praise the lifeguards for their attentiveness and responsiveness, citing safety as a positive aspect. However, some negative experiences with specific lifeguards are also noted.
Parking: Parking is available but is described as expensive by many, with some additional issues noted, such as difficulty exiting the lot.
Not Noted
Party: There is no specific mention of birthday parties or other party hosting services in the reviews.
Diving Boards: There is no mention of diving boards in the provided reviews.
Clean: Cleanliness is a mixed bag in the reviews. While some praise the park's cleanliness, others describe it as dirty, with trash and poorly maintained restrooms.
Prices: The reviews overwhelmingly describe prices as "exorbitant," "insane," "overpriced," and "ridiculous." Many comment on the high cost of food, drinks, parking, and even seating.
2
Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Hurricane Harbor Chicago is a sprawling water park offering both thrilling attractions and relaxing spots for guests seeking aquatic fun. The park features a diverse mix of water slides ranging from mild to wild, along with a refreshing wave pool and a meandering lazy river for those wanting to take it easy. Families particularly enjoy the interactive splash areas and kid-friendly zones, while thrill-seekers can get their adrenaline fix on the park's collection of high-speed water slides and drop rides.
What People Are Saying
Outdoor: The reviews consistently describe the park as being outdoors.
Lazy River: Many reviews mention a lazy river, some positively and some negatively, indicating its presence. Several reviewers cite issues like long wait times, insufficient tubes, and even closure due to staffing shortages.
Wave Pool: The wave pool is mentioned by multiple reviewers. While some enjoyed it, others noted issues such as overcrowding and random closures.
Splash Pad: Several reviews mention a splash pad or kiddie area, with some families rating it positively while others experienced issues such as overcrowding and a lifeguard reprimanding a young child.
Season Pass: Season passes are offered, but many reviews from pass holders express disappointment with the value due to frequent closures and limited ride availability. Some even felt misled due to inaccurate ride availability information.
Parking: Parking is available, but many reviews express significant dissatisfaction with the high cost.
Not Noted
Adults: There is no mention of adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas in the reviews provided.
Party: The reviews do not mention whether the water park hosts parties.
Diving Boards: Reviews do not mention the presence of diving boards.
Food & Drinks: Food and beverage options are available, but the reviews are overwhelmingly negative, citing high prices and poor quality. Many reviewers describe the food as overpriced, stale, or lacking flavor, while some mention limited choices.
Lifeguards: Reviews regarding lifeguard service are mixed. While some praise the lifeguards' attentiveness, others criticize their rudeness, lack of assistance, and inconsistent enforcement of rules leading to safety concerns.
Clean: Reviews on cleanliness are highly inconsistent. While some praise the park's cleanliness, many others describe it as dirty, noting issues such as hair in the pools, unpleasant smells (sewage, urine), and generally poor maintenance.
Prices: Reviewers overwhelmingly express dissatisfaction with the pricing, citing exorbitant costs for tickets, food, parking, and rentals. Many feel the value is poor given the frequency of ride closures and long wait times.
3
Skull Island
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Skull Island brings tropical flair to the Midwest with its immersive island-themed water attractions. This expansive water park features everything from gentle lazy rivers to heart-pounding water slides that twist and turn through elaborately themed structures. Visitors can explore multiple swimming areas, relax in private cabanas, or challenge themselves on the various aquatic obstacle courses while surrounded by lush landscaping and tiki-inspired architecture.
Not Noted
Lazy River: The reviews do not mention a lazy river.
Wave Pool: The reviews do not mention a wave pool.
Splash Pad: The reviews do not mention a splash pad or kiddie area.
Adults: The reviews do not mention adult amenities.
Season Pass: The reviews do not mention season passes.
Party: The reviews do not mention parties or events.
Diving Boards: The reviews do not mention diving boards.
Food & Drinks: The reviews do not mention food and drink options.
Lifeguards: The reviews do not mention lifeguard service or safety.
Clean: The reviews do not mention cleanliness or maintenance.
Prices: The reviews do not mention pricing or value for money.
Parking: The reviews do not mention parking.
4
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park | Illinois
Address: 1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031
The Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park in Gurnee, Illinois, stands as a year-round aquatic playground where families can escape the Midwest weather while enjoying thrilling water attractions. This sprawling indoor facility features everything from gentle lazy rivers to heart-pumping water slides, alongside dedicated areas for both toddlers and teens to make their own splash-filled memories. Beyond the water activities, the resort offers a complete family experience with themed suites, multiple dining options, and various dry-land entertainment including arcade games and interactive adventures.
What People Are Saying
Lazy River: One review mentions a lazy river, describing it as relaxing.
Splash Pad: One review mentions a kiddie pool for little ones, indicating the presence of a splash pad or kiddie area. Reviewers generally rate the kiddie area positively.
Lifeguards: One review mentions that lifeguards are on duty, suggesting good lifeguard service. The review indicates a positive perception of safety.
Clean: One review explicitly states that the facilities are well-maintained and clean.
Parking: One review mentions an overnight parking fee, indicating the presence of parking. However, the fee is described as a negative experience.
Not Noted
Wave Pool: The reviews do not mention a wave pool.
Adults: The reviews do not mention adult amenities such as alcohol, hot tubs, or adult-only areas.
Season Pass: The reviews mention full day and half day passes, but do not discuss season passes.
Party: The reviews do not mention birthday parties or other similar events.
Diving Boards: Diving boards are not mentioned in the reviews.
Food & Drinks: The reviews do not provide information about food and drink options at the water park.
Prices: Reviewers mention that prices can be high but that deals can be found. One reviewer complains about various hidden fees. Overall, opinions on value for money are mixed.